When learning how to play soccer, we often teach players how to score goals, but we also need to teach players how to defend, both as a team and individually.  The defensive principles of soccer will teach just that and ensure that you build a solid defensive structure to your team.

Defending Principles of Play apply  when the opposition has the ball, and will work regardless of the position that the ball is on the field. There are five principles of that govern play when you are defending:

Soccer

Delay
Depth
Balance
Concentration
Control/Restraint

Defending principles – roles of the 1st defender

The defender closest to the ball and usually goal side

The player with the ball is the most dangerous opponent and should always be the focus of the 1st defender, and it is the role to win the ball or delay the opposition when the opposition has the ball, the first and foremost objective is to regain possession.  So the things that the 1st defender must focus on is

Must focus on the ball and the 1st attacker
Wins the ball or delays penetration
Stops or delays the opponent playing the ball forward
Reduces the opponent space by applying pressure quickly
Show the opponent the way that the 1st defender wants the attacker to go
Applies a tackle to the opponent when there are supporting defenders
Stays on their feet in a balanced and ready state, focussing on the ball

Defending principles – role of the 2nd Defender(s)

The 2nd defenders(s) are the players in the immediate vicinity of the 1st defender

The role of the 2nd defender(s) is to provide a a supporting role and to help the first defender by:

Cover and support quickly
May have to mark the supporting attackers. Note the 1st attacks body shape will dictate where the 2nd defender should concentrate the support.
Always looking to
apply double pressure to the player with the ball
apply pressure to the next opponent that is able to receive the ball

The supporting defender(s) should be in constant communication with the 1st defender, letting them know of any dangers, or options that the 1st defender is unaware of.

Defending principles – role of the 3rd Defenders

The 3rd defender(s) are other defenders that are away from the immediate playing area

The role of the 3rd defenders are to provide concentration, mobility and communication .

3rd defender(s) provide a supporting role to the 1st and 2nd defenders in a number of ways to ensure that the principles of play are being followed.

Tracking down opponents that are making forward runs
Do not allow opponents to get goal side of them
Always prepared to balance the defense
Always prepared to become 1st or 2nd Defenders INSTANTLY
Always scanning the field and supplying communication
Always looking for interceptions
Always looking to apply pressure to the next play that is able to receive the ball

Understanding these principles and applying them to your sessions will ensure that your players are learning how to play soccer that they will have the knowledge and ability to defend against any team to the best of their ability.

How to Play Soccer – Defending Principles